Delores Bichler of Longmont, Colorado, passed away at her home on November 16, 2025.  She was 94.  Born to Clara (Brekke) and Jacob Lassle in Bowdle, South Dakota, on June 24, 1931, Delores lived a long, full life dedicated to her family.

Delores met George G. Bichler in the small prairie town of Bowdle, where he worked at the Chevy Garage.  After their courtship they married on April 16, 1951, later moving to the Black Hills and then eventually to Rapid City.  Delores and George had three sons, and in 1969, the family moved further west to Colorado.

Growing up on the family farm in Walworth County southwest of Bowdle gave Delores much strength to endure the years ahead.  In 1940 when Delores was just 9, her mother tragically passed away from cancer—shortly after giving birth to youngest brother, Jake.  In the fall of 1945, Delores was celebrated as freshmen queen candidate at Bowdle High School but was unable to serve due to the accidental death of her 15-year-old brother, Arthur.  In 1988 her husband, George, passed away, in 2016 her son Greg, and in 2021 her son Chuck.

With childhood memories of waking up to winter frost on the farmhouse ceiling before crowding around the pot belly stove next to her siblings, Delores took comfort in her warm, cozy home later in life.  She was incredibly sharp, maintaining an astute awareness of—and sincere care for—those around her.  She didn’t just know people; she understood them.  Delores enjoyed watching the news daily, following current events, entertainment, and sports.  A spirited woman, she greatly valued her independence—all the way to the end of her life.

Delores was employed at a number of businesses around the Longmont area through her working years and carried her work ethic everywhere she went.  This continued at home where she always kept herself busy and impressively active.

Delores is preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Jacob; sisters Erliss and Bea; brothers Arthur, Robert, Donald, Richard, and Clarence; her husband, George; and her sons Greg and Chuck.  She is survived by her sister, Mary Mertz of Pierre, South Dakota; her brother Jake Forbragd of Angola, New York; her son Mark (Jeri) Bichler of Longmont; grandchildren Tony, Erik, Tammy, Michael, Melissa, and Jared; and great-grandchildren Shane, Kayla, Taylor, Carter, Alyssa, Cody, Lane, Ashley, Zoe, and Avery.

A celebration of life will occur on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Carroll-Lewellen Chapel, 503 Terry Street in Longmont, beginning with a viewing from 10-11 a.m., a memorial service from 11-12, a reception at noon, and burial at Mountain View Cemetery at 2.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.